Has anyone used http://callvibe.com before? It's a free voicemail box with a conference call feature.

I need really good conference call software for my sessions with new preservation vendor trainees and I'm wondering how good it is. Does it stay connected? Is the voice quality there?

http://grandcentral.com looks like it has a few good features also. Apparently it's being beta-tested by Google. Has anyone tried it yet?

I didn't see the conference call feature but, with GrandCentral, I can get a local area code and number for the voicemail where, with CallVibe I get a long-distance number and a mailbox ID.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Linda

WWW.VENTRILO.COM

ventrilo is a voip conference. I've used it with great success for up to 40 people. it's internet based, so everyone will need access to a microphone if they are going to talk. Good thing is you can set it up like a voice chat room so you could have it on all day and have people come in and out to ask questions.

-Dan

BadAsset ~

Thanks for the tip. I just looked at it but it says something about requiring a 1,000 slot minimum. I've never hosted a conference before so can you explain to me what that means?

Also, do I have the option of setting a particular pass code for each session and blocking unwanted guests?

Linda

I didn't see where it said anything about a 1000 slot minimum. I'll assume that's some kind of minimum you will need if you are hosting the chat from your own computer. I've rented servers in the past. I think it's like $5 a month for up to 10 users. they have a bunch of websites that you can rent from on the ventrilo website. And yes, you can set up passwords for all the different chat rooms you create, ban/kick users, and have private conversations. Your users will have to download the client program and install it, but it's free.

Okay, I think I get it. I had clicked on purchase yesterday to get the information. I didn't even see the "rent" link below it.

So I'm guessing that, when you click on the "Hosting (Rent)" link that you can choose from one of the hosts on the list and rent time from them. Is that correct?

Looking at the sample Ventrilo screenshot this morning made me realize that my son's got something similar set up for his gaming forums. I should probably check to see what he uses, too.

Thanks!

Linda

BadAsset ~

Have you ever, or has anyone here ever, used Skype? I forgot I had an account until this morning. I visited the website and it looks like it will do exactly what I need and will conference up to 10 people, which is the max I would ever go in any one session anyway.

Any thoughts?

Linda

your son might use teamspeak. Skype looks like a better option. the file transfer and the fact you can connect to phone users are nice benefits.

Dan

Teamspeak, yes. I believe that's what he uses.

The file transfer is definitely something I need in order to send out training materials so I think it will work perfectly.

I just set up a new Skype account and I'm ready to test it. Does anyone want to give it a shot? My user name is LindaHall.PPVTraining.

Thanks!

Linda